UPDATE: Multiple sources have informed FreeWire that Carolyn Shireman’s arraignment is scheduled for tomorrow morning and will be presided over by a visiting judge following Judge Sean Leuthold’s recusal from the case.
With the Ohio Supreme Court appointing a new judge, this marks the next step in the legal proceedings after Shireman’s indictment and arrest earlier this week. It remains unclear at this time who the visiting judge will be or whether any additional delays could arise.
FreeWire is continuing to monitor the situation and will provide further updates as more details become available.
UPDATE: New details have emerged regarding the indictment and arrest of Bucyrus Councilwoman Carolyn Shireman. Law enforcement officials executed a search warrant at Shireman’s residence on Beal Avenue as part of the indictment process. According to sources, the warrant authorized the seizure of multiple items allegedly purchased using funds from the alleged victim in this case. Confiscated property includes clothing, household goods, decorations, perfumes, jewelry, sheds, tents, and other personal property suspected to be tied to financial misconduct. Additionally, financial records such as bank statements, credit card statements, and wills were also listed in the search warrant.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing two Crawford County Sheriff’s vehicles alongside two pickup trucks arrive at the scene as officers carried out the search. Crawford County Now reported that two tow trucks were present and that both Shireman’s and her husband’s vehicles were seized; however, FreeWire could not confirm that report. Attorney Andrew Motter stated, “I’ve yet to receive a copy of the warrant or any discovery so far from the prosecution, but as far as anyone can tell, they [the Shiremans] still have their vehicles.” He also noted that Jim Shireman had just visited his office seeking legal advice.
Motter also addressed the delay in scheduling an arraignment, explaining that Judge Sean Leuthold is considering recusing himself from the case due to its politically charged nature. While Leuthold is not a member of the Republican Central Committee, he is a well-known Republican in the area, and given Shireman’s history of conflict with elected Republican officials, he may step aside to avoid any perception of bias. If Leuthold recuses himself, the Ohio Supreme Court would need to appoint another judge, further delaying proceedings.
FreeWire has reached out to the prosecutor’s office for clarification on how this will impact the case schedule or if any other officials may recuse themselves. We have not yet received a response.
Clarissa Slater, writing in her Bucyrus Beacon column Clarissa Explains: Integrity, Fairness, and Justice – A Call for Due Process and Equal Protection, emphasized the importance of ensuring due process in Shireman’s case despite her polarizing nature. Slater argues that while Shireman has made political enemies and remains a controversial figure, her right to a fair trial must be protected.
Additionally, Slater acknowledges the difficulty of seating an impartial jury in Bucyrus, given Shireman’s notoriety. However, she argues that despite the city’s small size, a neutral jury pool can be found among residents who do not closely follow local politics. Ultimately, she calls for fair legal practices to ensure a just outcome—whatever that may be.
BUCYRUS, OH — Bucyrus City Councilwoman Carolyn Shireman has been indicted by a grand jury according to reports and has now been taken into custody. The official announcement from the Crawford County Prosecutor's Office has not yet come.
A police presence was observed at Shireman’s residence earlier today where neighbors report that she was taken into custody while still in her pajamas. Photos from the scene show Sheriff Scott Kent and other deputies at her residence, her husband Jim Shireman sitting in his car after just arriving, and deputies carrying out some of Shireman’s possessions. FreeWire is currently working to obtain additional photos and statements regarding the situation.
The indictment follows a series of legal issues for Shireman, who has been at the center of controversy in recent months. She was previously arrested and charged with second-degree felony theft (F2) and intimidation (M1) and was released on a personal recognizance (PR) bond under the condition that she remain on house arrest while awaiting a decision from the Grand Jury. These details were covered in previous FreeWire reports on Shireman.
The indictment has been highly anticipated by the public, as the case has drawn significant attention. Defenders of Shireman have berated the Crawford County Prosecutor's Office in the weeks since her arrest, claiming it was a "witch hunt" and that the city is targeting her to silence her. Meanwhile, legal experts have noted that grand jury proceedings take time, and the process must be thorough before charges are formally issued.
FreeWire has reached out to the prosecutor’s office for confirmation and details on the indictment but has not yet received a response.
Shireman, who was first elected to council in 2023, has remained a polarizing figure in local politics. She has clashed with fellow council members and city officials on numerous occasions, and her handling of Positive Seekers Inc. has drawn scrutiny from both the public and legal authorities.
This is a developing story, and FreeWire will provide updates as more information becomes available.
